Cessna 140 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 460 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

460

All Events

321

Incidents

72

Minor

32

Serious

35

Fatal (51 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
May 10, 2009 Mesquite, NV N73017 Incident substantial The pilot's loss of directional control during landing resulting from binding of the left wheel's brake actuating system for an undetermined reason.
May 05, 2009 Haines, AK N1685V Incident substantial The pilot's decision to practice takeoff and landings on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a nose-over on takeoff.
Dec 24, 2008 Highmore, SD N89418 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the flare while landing in deep snow.
Dec 17, 2008 Preston, ID N4008N Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent nose over.
Aug 16, 2008 Lowman, ID N1161D Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
May 09, 2008 Burlington, WI N89307 Minor substantial A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the low altitude at the time of the loss of engine power.
Mar 02, 2008 Dayton, TN N3536V Incident substantial The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Feb 23, 2008 Poplar Grove, IL N3527V Incident substantial The left wing skin "fabric patch" separated from the wing ribs and spars for an undetermined reason.
Feb 19, 2008 Halls, TN N2086V Incident substantial
The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control durin…

The flight instructor's inadequate remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Feb 09, 2008 Logan, UT N72957 Incident substantial The dual-student's excessive brake application, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight.
Feb 08, 2008 Grand Meadow, MN N3537V Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's continued visual flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, and …

The pilot's continued visual flight into an area of known instrument meteorological conditions in an airplane not equipped for instrument flight, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane while maneuvering at low altitude.

Nov 05, 2007 Poultney, VT N89120 Incident substantial
The pilot's attempt to land on an unimproved airstrip resulting in a ground loop/swerve. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's poor j…

The pilot's attempt to land on an unimproved airstrip resulting in a ground loop/swerve. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's poor judgement in attempting to land on an unsuitable runway and the unsuitable runway conditions.

Sep 08, 2007 Lubbock, TX N72699 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's delay in taking …

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. A contributing factor was the flight instructor's delay in taking remedial action.

Aug 17, 2007 Grant, NE N89492 Incident substantial The directional control not obtained/maintained by the pilot during landing. Contributing factors were the crosswind, gust, and ditch.
Aug 15, 2007 Olympia, WA N4084N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Apr 27, 2007 Winner, SD N72953 Incident substantial The pilot's excessive use of braking during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Jan 23, 2007 Murrieta, CA N2006V Incident substantial The pilot's excessive application of brakes during taxi after landing, resulting in a nose over.
Jan 14, 2007 San Jose, CA N18WB Incident substantial The pilot's excessive use of the airplane's wheel brakes, which resulted in a nose over during landing.
Dec 30, 2006 Van Nuys, CA N9198Z Incident substantial Failure of the pilot under instruction to maintain directional control of the airplane and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision.
Dec 09, 2006 Vienna, MO N76379 Incident substantial
The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigued crankshaft cluster gear bolts and the inadequate major overhaul of the engine that was l…

The loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigued crankshaft cluster gear bolts and the inadequate major overhaul of the engine that was last performed by other maintenance personnel. An additional cause was a subsequent major engine overhaul not performed by the pilot after he purchased the airplane and operated it with an engine that exceeded the engine manufacturer's time between overhaul criteria.

Jul 28, 2006 Cunningham, KS N89669 Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff. A contributing factor was the mud.
Mar 29, 2006 Pageland, SC N76688 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing resulting in the airplane veering to the right, colliding with a runway…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing resulting in the airplane veering to the right, colliding with a runway light, and subsequent nose over.

Mar 11, 2006 Mesa, AZ N89166 Incident substantial the pilot's improper use of the flight controls during landing, which resulted in a nose over.
Oct 16, 2005 Big Flat, AR N72901 Serious (2) substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
May 08, 2005 New Cuyama, CA N89671 Serious (2) substantial
the pilot's failure to properly use carburetor heat during conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in the loss of engine power. A fa…

the pilot's failure to properly use carburetor heat during conditions conducive to carburetor icing, which resulted in the loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable landing terrain.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.
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